A man who identified himself as Devante’s father said the family loves him and wants to get him the help that he needs. He said he didn’t know why the shooting happened and that he was focused on caring for his wife, the victim.

Police said Williams was reportedly last seen in a red 2014 four-door Toyota Camry with a personalized license plate that reads “PROSPER.”

Correction on suspect vehicle in shooting. We are looking for 2014 Toyota Va tag PROSPER. @CityofVaBeach suspect is black male.

According to police, Williams was wanted for attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and carjacking.

Neighbor Dylan Riggs said he didn’t know what happened or who was involved.

“I woke up to a phone call from my mom saying there was a shooting about seven houses down. (I) come to find out, coming outside, it was one of my neighbors…That’s never happened ever in this neighborhood, so it’s very scary, especially, you know, we do have a lot of children, a lot of young, young children, and to even know that there’s somebody that’s shooting in this area is very scary,” he said.

Court paperwork shows Williams was charged with stealing a gun and a car from a female family member in August. The car had the same description as the one police were searching for Thursday. Prosecutors later dropped the charges, but Williams was convicted of stealing other items from the woman.

The police activity Thursday caused Ocean Lakes High School to be placed on precautionary lockdown. The school is less than a mile from where the shooting reportedly happened.

Ocean Lakes High School (WAVY/Jeff Myers)

WAVY/Jeff Myers (February 4, 2016)

The following message was sent from Ocean Lakes Principal Dr. Cheryl Askew to students’ families Thursday morning:

Good morning. This is Dr. Askew, principal of Ocean Lakes High School. I’m calling to let you know that our school is currently on an external lockdown due to a police incident in a nearby neighborhood. This lockdown is strictly a precaution as police conduct an investigation. As a reminder, during an external lockdown, all guests must show proper ID to enter the building and be authorized to pick up a child before the student will be released. Let me assure you that all students are safe and instruction is continuing without interruption. I will send you an additional message once the lockdown is lifted. Thank you.

Around 10 a.m., Ocean Lakes Elementary School was also placed on lockdown.